Hey all had my engine (a Continental 0-470 converted by Texas Skyways to a 520) overhauled last year. I have a C-182 P. Out of commission for a year. On the second break in flight last November oil pressure dropped to zero, cut power and did a power off 180 to land at KVUO. They removed and serviced the oil pressure relief valve. Oil pressure was usually about 50 in flight after that. Flew it cross country to SC. Second month here my front gear sank into a sinkhole on the grass taxiway with, of course, a prop strike. Just got the plane back after the second overhaul in a year and the running oil pressure in flight is about 47. Drops to 20 taxiing after flight. I was told by the overhauler and the installing mechanic that Continentals run lower than Lycomings and these numbers are not a concern. Seems with the first overhaul the pressure relief valve was not replaced. With the second it was not because it was a prop strike. The engine overhauler has offered to replace the pressure relief valve. What do you think of these pressures and have any of you experienced similar issues?

Frank,

I don't think this is anything to worry about. Many airplanes will show low oil pressure readings after flying. I would be concerned if it dropped in flight like it did before. My engine almost always shows oil pressures in the 30s after flying - sometimes high 20s. If I were to perform a run up after flying it would show normal oil pressure. It should make normal oil pressure after it cools down on start up. Obvious check for leaks but assuming that this is not an issue - I would go start it up after it cools down. Do a run up and then go fly if it is making normal oil pressure.

Just FYI - when we broke your engine in last November - the oil pressure would come down into the low 20s if I remember correctly and then come back up with just a little throttle. I think this is nothing to worry about.


Josh

This is for a conti IO520D, but should be about the same for your engine I’d imagine




Seems you’re well within margins

For me I like to know where my engine likes to run and judge things from there, but also keep in mind those normal for YOUR engine obviously may change when you do a alteration to the engine

Taxi after flying, hot and now thinner oil, slower RPM for the RPM driven oil pump, yeah those numbers are going to be lower than cruise flight or the initial taxi after cold dark cockpit engine start

If it’s not burning more oil than normal, doesn’t smell like burnt oil, isn’t making odd noises or vibrations and if performing per the book numbers and passing run up checks, I don’t think you have anything to worry about

Thanks

Ok I will see how things go.

Thanks Josh. You know my engine and yours is the same so I'll try to stop being anxious about it.

My engine is the continental IO-520-D. Oil pressure in cruise is 45. Oil pressure at idle after flying is 20. No concerns here.